Deer velvet, also referred to as antler velvet, refers to antlers that have been removed during the growth stage, when they are covered with soft velvet-like hair. After removal, the antlers are dried and ground. In Western countries, the ground powder is sold as a dietary supplement that purportedly improves sexual function and overall energy, decreases stress, and strengthens the body. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), deer velvet has been used as a yang tonic for the endocrine and immune systems, energy metabolism, growth, and sexual function.

There is currently insufficient available clinical evidence to support the use of deer velvet for any medical use. High-quality clinical studies are needed before safety can be assessed and firm conclusions can be made.

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

GRADE *

Historical uses of deer antler include enhancing energy, stamina, and strength. Preliminary human research showed that deer antler powder may increase some measures of strength and endurance. Additional research is needed before a firm conclusion can be made.

C

In both traditional and popular use, deer velvet has a reputation as an aphrodisiac that may improve sexual energy by potentially strengthening and balancing the body and restoring overall energy. Preliminary human research showed a lack of effect of deer velvet on sexual functioning in middle-aged men. Additional research is required before conclusions can be drawn.

D

* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this useB: Good scientific evidence for this useC: Unclear scientific evidence for this useD: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory
The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

For sexual function in men, four 250-milligram capsules of ground deer velvet have been taken by mouth daily for 12 weeks.

Children (under 18 years old)

There is no proven safe or effective dose of deer velvet in children.

Safety
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Allergies

Avoid with known allergy or hypersensitivity to deer velvet, its constituents, or members of the Cervidae family.

Side Effects and Warnings

Although not well studied in humans, deer velvet may have possible androgenic effects. Use cautiously in patients in whom an androgenic effect is contraindicated, as deer velvet may contain small amounts of androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone, and testosterone.

Use cautiously in patients in whom supplemental estradiol is contraindicated, as deer antler has been reported to contain small amounts of estradiol.

Use cautiously in patients in whom supplemental progesterone is contraindicated, as deer antler has been reported to contain small amounts of progesterone.

Use cautiously in patients taking sexual-enhancing agents, as, based on secondary sources and traditional use, deer velvet may enhance sexual function and libido. Based on animal research, deer velvet may have possible androgenic effects.

Use cautiously in patients taking energy-enhancing or muscle-strengthening agents, as, based on secondary sources and anecdote, deer antler may increase energy and muscle strength.

Use cautiously in patients taking hepatotoxic agents.

Avoid in pregnant and lactating women, due to a lack of available safety information.

Avoid in patients with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to deer velvet, its constituents, or members of the Cervidae family.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Deer velvet is not suggested in pregnant or breastfeeding women, due to lack of available scientific evidence.

The information in this monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns. Information is based on review of scientific research data, historical practice patterns, and clinical experience. This information should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies, diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions.